A View From My Summerhouse

Guest Post At Moggiepurrs: For The Love Of Siamese Cats

Posted on April 28, 2014 by Sherri Matthews

Good Monday morning dear friends! I hope you had a lovely weekend? Here in Blighty the weather didn’t do quite what was asked of us, descending as it did into blustery storms and heavy rain but still, the weekend is the weekend, rain or shine…

To start off the week, I have some exciting news: My lovely blogging buddy Bev who writes wonderful posts all about her favourite subject (that would be cats, including her darling Sophie) over at Moggiepurrs, very kindly invited me to write a guest post.

Of course I was delighted for any excuse to write about my babies (the furry kind in this case). Thank you so much Bev!

Growing up with Siamese cats and enjoying ‘helping’ my mum and dad with their boarding cattery as a young girl brought with it many adventures, one memory of which I’ve shared in my guest post, For The Love of Siamese Cats.

If you are a cat-lover and you haven’t already done so, I do hope you will pay Bev a visit. She will be delighted to see you! So will Misty and Ming…

Posted in CATalogue, Guest Blogs | Tagged cats, Guest Blog, Siamese Cats | 19 Comments

Aubade: A Poem for Morning’s Sweet Light

Posted on April 25, 2014 by Sherri Matthews

As a follow-up to my ‘Promises’ post, I have another one to keep for dear Marylin at Things I Want To Tell My Mother where she writes delightful letters to her lovely Mom who suffers from Alzheimer’s. She recently wrote a post entitled SUNRISE or SUNSET in which she shared how her mother had written, from time to time, a type of poem called an Aubade.

Until I read Marylin’s post I had never heard of an Aubade but was so intrigued and taken by what she shared, that I felt compelled to write one. In my woeful ignorance of poetry so far as all the different styles and formats (of which I follow none but am beginning to love the challenge of learning all about these new styles), I’ve discovered that an Aubade is a poem or song either welcoming or evoking daybreak or lamenting the sunrise for lovers who have to separate at dawn.

It is the opposite of a serenade which of course is a song sung in the evening. There are no rules of form, it is a genre for a theme not a structure. My kind of poem then!

In honour of National Shakespeare Day held on April 23rd (been and gone, I know,) here is an example of William Shakespeare’s Aubade:

HARK! hark! the lark at heaven’s gate sings,
And Phoebus ‘gins arise,
His steeds to water at those springs
On chaliced flowers that lies;
And winking Mary-buds begin
To ope their golden eyes:
With everything that pretty bin,
My lady sweet, arise!
Arise, arise!

My Aubade is very different, obviously! A welcome of daybreak or a lament? Maybe it could be a touch of both. I hope you enjoy it either way. I should also let you know that, as I said to Marylin, I’m not one for rising with the sun but hubby is and he was put on strictest orders to wake me up in time for me to grab some sunrise shots. He puts up with so much for my writing (poor guy) but I couldn’t do it without him…and the things we do for art!

Here, then, is my Aubade. For Marylin and her Mom.

Morning’s Sweet Light

Midnight’s curtain pulls apart
shot through with the blink of day
As morning’s early light whispers
pastel-pink, for the sun to have its say;

Sparks beauty in her sleep, draws me back
into your warmth where once more
I am darkly safe.
Yet entwined in the heat of that lost,
Golden Hour.

Somerset Sunrise
(c) Sherri Matthews 2014

Guided through the night,
now revealed in day-break’s flight;
Searing through
Parting’s Despair as it opens as with
Sun-streaked sun-touched burnished flower.

Where once we lay, still, secure;
Exposed and naked as with no lie;
Just one last time
before Desire’s Goodbye.

Tearing away from the cool of the dream
falling now, ever closer, into
Morning, unseen.

Somerset Sunrise in the Spring
(c) Sherri Matthews 2014

Sun-flares paint the distant clouds
as God’s hand, the Artist’s perfect eye
brings forth the announcement that all must end;
Awakens panic drawn from
Slumber’s Ignorance
As I spread my wings, time to fly.

‘Come back, my love!
Why must you leave?
Morning’s Dawn is my gift
to bless your Night;
No more for you to grieve!’

Look no more! As I wipe my tears
through soft-seeping bright
I cannot speak another word.
Never more with you, I turn away
and walk alone, as I must, into

Morning’s Sweet Light.

Somerset Sunrise
(c) Sherri Matthews 2014

……………………………………………………………………

I haven’t been able to keep up with the weekly challenges these past couple of weeks but hope to return to ‘normal’ next week. I have though linked this in with Time for Poetry Weekly Writing Challenge although it’s late.

I am also typing this with very limited battery power left on my laptop, the charger having just ‘popped’ and emitting a rather strong odour and I’m watching the power drain away minute by minute. A new charger is on its way and as soon as I’m up and running I’ll return. Never a dull minute eh? See you all soon 🙂

Posted in Poems, Weekly Writing Challenge | Tagged Aubade, photos of sunrise, Poem, Poetry, postaday, postaweek, Sunrise, Weekly Writing Challenge, William Shakespeare | 74 Comments

AUTHOREO, AUTHOREO – WHEREFORE ART THOU AUTHOREO?

Posted on April 24, 2014 by Sherri Matthews

For all you authors out there, Chris, the loveable story-reading Ape, is offering a fantastic opportunity. Don’t miss it!

Posted in Reblogs, Uncategorized | 8 Comments

Promises, Awards And One Retro Drawing

Posted on April 22, 2014 by Sherri Matthews

One of the many things I love about blogging is the varied, fascinating and downright unusual ‘conversations’ I’ve had with so many of you and the tasks that I’ve sometimes set myself as a result of these lovely chats, always with the best intentions (and thanks for bearing with me!).

For one thing, ever since my Thanksgiving post last November, I’ve promised Jill and Steven that I would post a photograph of the chocolate train cake that I made for my younger son’s fourth birthday.

For another, and among discussions about crazy rides at theme parks, Michael Jackson, Windmills of the Norfolk Broads, blue skies, twilight, Mr Blobby and gazelles with a certain two, who from time to time hijack my blog with their shenanigans and high jinks, never mind trying to infiltrate my summerhouse/TARDIS to find out what really goes in there, I ended up promising to show them a drawing I did when I was not quite a teen…

(Will the real Steven and Jenny Jen Jen please stand up…)

This is all came about because of the legendary and amazing artistic ability of Steven, aka J.G. (in his recent post, he stunned me with an incredible drawing of Clint Eastwood) which led to a long discussion between me and Jenny Jen Jen about our discovered mutual obsession with drawing pictures of horses when in our early teens and of my remembering a drawing I did of my alter ego back in the day, all flowery bell-bottoms, floppy hat and platform shoes.

Sadly, despite looking high and low (and I mean that literally; rummaging through boxes in the loft comes to mind), I can’t find the photograph of the train cake – really sorry Jill and J.G.! – but I was able to find my drawing and that only because my mother has kept it all these years.

This means I can keep one promise at least:

My drawing of my ‘ideal’ as an almost thirteen year old in the summer of 1973. I had some platform shoes just like these! As you can see, I called her ‘Suzi’!

I’m glad that, despite my chocolate train cake failure, I’ve been able to keep one of these promises but I also have some others to keep; that is, I owe some lovely people my heartfelt ‘Thank You’.

How timely that the first one goes to Jenny Jen Jen for so kindly nominating me for the Sunshine Award.

The Sunshine Award

Now that I’ve seen her drawings of horses (which are very good!) I’m not only impressed with her artistic ability, but I would say that her writing isn’t too bad either! I jest, of course.

She is extremely talented, a published author no less with a second book in the making, a delightful young woman who, among her many talents has also created a language!

I am hugely impressed with her, she is a beautiful, spirit, please check our her blog Jennifer K Marsh and you’ll see just what I mean.

As if her star didn’t shine brightly enough, she then also nominated me for The Lighthouse Award with such beautiful sentiments.

Thank you so much Jenny Jen Jen!

I am more than overdue in thanking another lovely young woman, Upasna over at Live Out Loud , a new blogging friend, who so kindly nominated me for The Liebster Award.

Her blog’s tagline expresses her thoughts:

‘I am here, just to share…To get views and share experiences and also share some of mine… 🙂‘.

Thank you so much Upasna!

The Leibster Award

Mahesh is a another new blogging friend who very kindly nominated me for The Versatile Blogger Award. Mahesh blogs over at The Write Might where he is:

‘Keeping it real, and raw. A writer who knows that writing heals, writing without fear.’

Mahesh and I recently had a brief chat about ‘Breaking Bad’ and how much we are both mesmerised by Saul (no spoilers here, those who watch/have watched it will know who I’m talking about and for those who haven’t, I would say it’s a must…!).

Thanks so much Mahesh!

Then the lovely lady Elizabeth over at Breaking the Cycle and whom I’ve had the pleasure of meeting fairly recently so kindly nominated me for The Sunshine Award.

Elizabeth’s blog is best described in her own words:

‘This is the title of my unpublished memoir. It refers to my book’s focus: chronicling dysfunctional aspects to my childhood and connecting them to difficulties I overcame as a parent’.

Many thanks to you Elizabeth for your very kind nomination, you are truly inspirational, and one lovely mom!

Then, just as I was getting ready to put the finishing touch to this post, a message ‘pinged’ across my About page announcing that the incomparable and super nice guy Don over at Don Charisma has nominated everyone, yes, everyone for the Inner Peace Award.

This is one of those awards that in accepting, only a short written piece is required as to why you are accepting and then, if you wish, you can hand it out to as many or as few as you like.

As before when I was so kindly given this award, I invited any and all reading my blog to please take it as yours. Peace is surely a gift we all need in today’s troubled, loud society.

What I really love too is Don’s unique and creative take on this award.

Here is his:

Here’s the original:

Take your pick!

Thank you so much Don!

I never take for granted every single time you take precious time out of your busy day to come over to my summerhouse and read my posts and ‘like’ and/or leave a comment or two. Since I’ve sent all these awards on before you already know my sentiments and so on this occasion I’m using this opportunity to thank you all so very much for so many things but most of all for your friendship, love and support. I can’t tell you enough what this means to me.

I hope that I can be the same friend to you as you are to me.

Posted in Awards, Blogging | Tagged Art, Awards, thank you, The Inner Peace Award, The Leibster Award, The Lighthouse Award, The Sunshine Award, The Versatile Award | 89 Comments

True Crime, Freesias and a Happy Easter

Posted on April 17, 2014 by Sherri Matthews

My conversations with my dad are not what most daughters have with their fathers. For one thing, they are held over the telephone most Sundays when he calls me from ~~home~~ prison. For another, our conversations aren’t exactly run-of-the-mill. Our most recent one went something like this:

“Just to let you know Dad I’ll be away for a couple of weeks. I’ll drop you a line with the dates so that you’ll know when I’ll be back and we can chat then!”

“No problem darling, where are you going, somewhere nice?”

“Lewes.”

“Oh yes, Lewes! I remember Lewes. Long time ago now, but a very nice town, from what I saw of it!”

“When did you go to Lewes then Dad? You’re not getting confused with Arundel are you?”

“Oh no. I’ve been to both! I was in nic for a spell in Lewes as well as Ford. I’ve been everywhere man!”

That’s the gist of it anyway. I’ve honestly lost track of all the prisons my dad has done time in and even joked with him once that he should star-rate them according to how good or bad the food, accommodation and location is. A sort of Trip Advisor for cons.

During these roller-coaster decades my thoughts towards my dad have ranged from acceptance but with sadness, to great concern and fear for his life and then veering to anger and rage, times even when I thought I downright hated him and wanted nothing more to do with him such was my hurt and disappointment, putting it mildly.

The most recent photo I have of me with my dad, taken in 2006 outside Kingston Lacy House, Dorset. Dad was 'out', living at a half-way house but not long after this he started drinking again, attempted to rob a bank and was arrested. Photographs aren't allowed in prison. (c ) Sherri Matthews 2014

The most recent photo I have of me with my dad, taken in 2006 outside Kingston Lacy House, Dorset. Dad was ‘out’, living in a half-way house but not long after this he started drinking again, attempted to rob a bank and was arrested.
Photographs aren’t allowed in prison.
(c ) Sherri Matthews 2014

But I could never leave him, this lost-soul of a man who is my father, who is now eighty-one and still in prison.

Love can walk hand-in-hand with hate, ready to pull away when life doesn’t match up to what is so often expected.

My ‘hate’ was never what it seemed. I always loved my dad and always will.

Easter brings back a memory of a time when I was a teenager catching the train to spend the Easter weekend with my dad.

I remember waking up that sunny Easter morning and dad pacing up and down, desperate for the pub to open. While I got ready, he popped out to the off-licence to buy cigarettes and booze – what else? – but when he returned, he stunned and thrilled me when he handed me a small bunch of freesias. The only other gift I remember from my dad was a bottle of Charlie perfume which I kept forever and a lifetime.

My dad was the first man who ever gave me flowers and the delicate beauty and scent of freesias make me stop in my tracks even today.

Beautiful Freesias

I wasn’t to know then that after this visit I wouldn’t have another sober conversation with him for many years. His drinking escalated, he disappeared under the radar but somehow we managed to keep in touch by letter when he was sober (meaning, in prison).

Easter time with my own children growing up in California was always a happy, fun-filled family time. My mum would often visit us from England at this time of year, her suitcases crammed full with British-style chocolate Easter Eggs.

It meant a great deal to me to be able to share them with my kids alongside their traditional American Easter baskets, which were not something I grew up with.

Granny’s visit was always something to be eagerly anticipated with great excitement!

You can always talk to me…
(Eldest son & Bonnie 1984)
(c) Sherri Matthews 2013

Although we had our share of adventures even then. One Easter, our darling dog Bonnie, a cross Lab/Collie, managed to get to Granny’s Easter Eggs (hidden out of sight but not from a dog’s powerful sense of smell) while we were out one afternoon and ate the lot, foil and all.

I was convinced she had been poisoned and was going to die. Oh no, my poor Bonnie! Dogs aren’t supposed to eat chocolate, right? But that dog was cast iron.

She never got ill. She lived a long, healthy life until she ran out of steam and left us peacefully, many years later in her old age.

Easter holds some powerful memories for me. It was during the long Easter weekend back in 1980 that my life was thrown into immediate turmoil.

That Easter Sunday I took a phone call bearing devastating news that would send me on a flight to the East Coast of America not a few days later. Nothing would ever be the same again.

Many years later at Easter in 2003, a For Sale sign went up in front of our home in California and with every thud of the Realtor’s hammer pounding that wooden sign deeper into the ground, my marriage of twenty-one years shattered and splintered into the broken dirt surrounding it

That same Easter in California, the winds had howled and the seas had raged, black and fierce, churning up its dark secrets. A woman’s torso washed up on a beach in Northern California and not one mile away, the body of a baby, her baby.

Married and pregnant, a beautiful young woman called Laci Peterson had been missing since the previous Christmas and I, along with millions of others in America, was glued to the reports coming in of the search for her.

The news that she and her baby had been found meant a bittersweet closure for her grieving family that Easter, but the ensuing trial ripped apart Laci’s so-called grieving husband’s lies and today Scott Peterson sits on Death Row in San Quentin Prison in California.

Yet, in the mix of these memories, and let’s face it, we were never promised a rose garden, the strength of all that is good and right takes hold of my heart and reminds me to be ever thankful for the simple and sure message of Easter and the blessings in my life.

Californian Poppies in the Spring – Cambria, CA
(c) Sherri Matthews 2014

For me, there is no better way to do this than to remember the words spoken by one certain little four-year old boy one Easter Sunday many years ago.

Let loose when Sunday School came to an end and bursting out of the classroom (very excited to get home to his Easter treats) he was not only desperate to show me pictures he had drawn but also to tell me something he had memorised that morning. Something about a man called Jesus and what somebody had said when they couldn’t find him in the tomb.

The words came tumbling out from the mouth of my youngest son, his face beaming with pride, so pleased with himself that he had remembered what to say:

“He is not here, He is risen, just as He said!” (Matthew 28:6)

That’s the Easter I remember and I smile because of it.

……………………………………………………………………..

This will be my last post until next week. Family time (guess who gets to hear all about a certain someone’s trip to California?!) coming up, although I will be keeping tabs on you all and catching up with your blogs, so please bear with me! (Is it me, or am I always playing catch-up these days?) Until then, I wish you all a very Happy Easter, filled with joy and blessings for you and your families. And, as I always say, watch this space 🙂

Love Sherri x

Posted in Childhood Memories, Family Life, My California, My Dad's Alcoholic Prison | Tagged Alcoholism, California, Childhood memories, Dogs, Easter, Family Life, Freesias, Jesus, Laci Peterson, prison, True Crime | 118 Comments

A Lingering Look at Windows and A Walk In Lewes, Sussex

Posted on April 11, 2014 by Sherri Matthews

As some of you already know, I recently spent some time in Lewes, Sussex and had the opportunity to take some lovely walks. You will also remember that it wasn’t too long ago when I wrote about ‘Historical Lewes‘ so I hope you don’t think I’m repeating myself here.

I thought it would be nice to take you on one of my walks and show you some more of the sights of this delightful town and at the same time I can share some more windows for Dawn’s A Lingering Look at Windows challenge.

I also thought it would be nice to share this walk with my friend Jo over at restlessjo who takes us on the most wonderful walks every Monday.

If you don’t know these two lovely ladies by now then I’m sure they will be thrilled to see you and you will love their photographs of their travels and adventures.

So, with street map in hand, let’s set off for our walk through the town of Lewes. Ready? Good! Then let’s get going on this glorious, English spring day.

Starting off at the top of the road we head towards a short cut just along from here crossing over to the right-hand side. The trees are just beginning to come into blossom and it’s nice to see the newly mown verges.

Some lovely signs of spring well underway as we walk on.

You can see we’re fairly high up as you catch a glimpse of those instantly recognisable chalky Sussex South Downs. Some beautiful walks can be taken up there I can assure you!

The South Downs, Lewes

Before we start to walk down towards the river we have to decide which path to choose. Left or right? Hmmm. Not as if we’ve ever had to make that choice before…

The path to the left it is then. It’s a steep walk down (and an even steeper one walking back up, be warned; my photo doesn’t do it justice). At the bottom we turn right and walk under a bridge, which, I understand is very spooky at night. There seems to be a definite atmosphere about it don’t you think?

. Spooky Bridge, Lewes, Sussex

Down by the river at last and a lovely, spring walk alongside it.

Walking along the path now with the River Ouse to our right, we are approaching the famed Harvey’s Brewery which has been making Sussex Bitter Ale since the 1700s. Not my favourite, I prefer wine (bubbly will do nicely too) but the ale, I hear, is excellent. If there’s time, you can pop back after our walk for a quick half, or pint as the case may be.

Now we are in the actual town of Lewes and our long, uphill climb along the high street begins. On the way, we can take in the view from the small bridge which connects both ends of the high street and stop to linger at a few shop windows.

This window, you’ll agree I’m sure, is magnificent. Just look at that antique copper bath. It’s going for a cool £4,000. What’s that in dollars? A lot of money, that’s for sure!

Antique shop, Lewes High Street, Sussex
(c) copyright Sherri Matthews 2014

Just up ahead is a well-placed map of Lewes showing all the public rights of way should we get lost. With my map reading I would say the chances are fairly high that could happen. I blame it on being left-handed. Still, you trust me, don’t you?

Town map, Lewes, Sussex (c) Sherri Matthews 2014

Once at the top of the town, we can turn back for this view of the War Memorial against the backdrop of the edge of the Downs and see how far we’ve come. The Memorial was unveiled in 1922.

Not too tired yet, I hope!

War Memorial, Lewes, Sussex
(c) Copyright Sherri Matthews 2014

Now for another short history lesson. We’ve found the Town Hall and the plaque which marks the place where the seventeen Protestant Martyrs were burned at the stake just yards from here between 1555 – 1557. You can read more about this here.

Part of the Town Hall is the Lewes Market Tower, as seen on this plaque.

Plaque for the Lewes Market Tower, Lewes, Sussex
(c) Sherri Matthews 2014

We are able to walk through the Market Tower’s archway leading to the other side of the street to continue our walk. You’ll be amazed when you stop to look at this mural with its accompanying description hung on the inside wall, especially for my American and French friends.

Coming through the Market Tower then, we change direction, which according to my handy-dandy little map will take us out of the high street and back down towards another part of the river. On the way we can linger at yet more delightful windows. I love the old sewing machines in the top windows. There’s also a cafe in this converted warehouse but it isn’t time to stop for a drink just yet! Just a little further…

Continuing down along the path the stunning Church of St John sub Castro seems to loom out of nowhere. Look at the cute sheep on top of the weather vain!

Walking past the church along the path and on the right hand side are the old swimming baths. Fancy a swim anyone?

Then, at last, we are almost back to the river but first we walk by The Pells, a delightful wooded area and pond, home to a variety of wildfowl, at the other end of town. Very pretty here isn’t it?

Now we are at another bridge and, according to the map, at the end of our walk. Faced with two choices, which way shall we go? To the left and keep walking along the river or over the bridge and back home? Decisions, decisions!

Had enough? Me too. I’m going to leave the rest of the river walk for another day. Time to head home for a lovely cup of tea. Anyone care to join me? Great! Oh, and the good news for those of you who fancy a pint, we’ve come full circle so Harvey’s Brewery is only a short walk away, across the bridge and down to the right.

I hope you all enjoyed your walk with me through Lewes! Make sure to turn up for Jo’s walk on Monday, I’m sure she has a real treat in store for us. Have a great weekend everyone and I’ll catch up with you soon 🙂

Posted in A Lingering Look at Windows, Photos | Tagged A Lingering Look at Windows, HIstory, Lewes, Photos of Lewes, photos of windows, Sussex, Walking | 77 Comments

American Pie

Posted on April 10, 2014 by Sherri Matthews

The Daily Post hosts a Weekly Writing Challenge which I thought I would try. This week, Vincent Mars challenges us to write our ‘First Fifty’ in this way:

‘For this week’s challenge, you must write a fifty-word story. Not five thousand, not five hundred, but precisely fifty words.’

Here is my ‘First Fifty’:

Spring Blossom against a Dark Sky
(c) copyright Sherri Matthews 2013

American Pie

Out walking her dog, she never saw it coming.

The car careened across the road slamming her into a wall and the last thing she felt was her dog’s tongue frantically licking her face.

Back home, her husband hummed along as the radio played ‘American Pie’, his wife’s favourite song.

*This story was inspired by true events. Yesterday, I was shocked to notice a smashed wall draped with police tape and several bouquets of fresh flowers placed by it on a street where I regularly walk not two minutes away from where we live. I later found out that somebody had lost control of their car and driven into a woman walking on the pavement (sidewalk) early Sunday morning. Although unknown to me, I dedicate my ‘First Fifty’ story to the woman and send prayers to her grieving family and all concerned in this tragedy.

Posted in Flash Fiction, Weekly Writing Challenge | Tagged American Pie, Dpchallenge, Flash fiction, Weekly Writing Challenge, writing | 64 Comments

Threshold of a New Beginning

Posted on April 8, 2014 by Sherri Matthews

On the threshold of a new beginning, a point of entering.

This week, over at the Weekly Photo Challenge, Krista asks us to share a photo that captures that moment ‘just before a new beginning — that split-second moment in time, full of anticipation. All the hard work is over; relief is palpable.’

There are many photos I could have used for this challenge but the choice was easy. This photo was taken in the mid 90s of my three children, dressed up for an Easter church service. I was not a girly-girl, never have been, and my daughter (Aspie D) was/is the same, but I did love to make her a new dress every Christmas and Easter because I loved to sew.

I knew that she would happily wear the dresses when younger (and had no choice, awful mother that I am!) but I knew that it wouldn’t be for long before she refused so I got in there fast!

Having made that year’s Easter dress and bought the boys proper shirts and trousers for the service, I thought it would be lovely to take a nice photo of them in the back garden/yard before we left for church.

We hadn’t long lived in the house where this photo was taken, having lost our previous home due to the market crash of the early 90s and a serious problem with a neighbour who liked to stalk us and take pot shots from his roof with a high-powered rifle. (I’ll save this little bedtime story for another time.)

What matters now, is that we had settled in nicely and were on the threshold of a new beginning for our family. We were no longer homeowners but tenants and we faced a long climb back up to rebuild in every sense of the word, yet the five years that we went on to live in that house were the happiest for my marriage and our family life.

Thinking, then, back to this time when I tried to take this photo and the kids just wouldn’t cooperate. They were restless, wanted to get church over and done with so that they could get back home to the Easter Egg hunt we always held in our back garden, back to their soon-to-be devoured chocolate as any kid would.

Trying to keep little Aspie D from running off and the boys from pawing at each other as boys do, never mind standing straight, proved to be impossible. In the end, just before I took one last shot, they exploded into fits of laughter.

Three Kids Together, Paso Robles, California, 1990s (c) Sherri Matthews 2014

Three Happy Kids Together, Paso Robles, California, 1990s. Easter chocolate anyone? (c) Sherri Matthews 2014

Taken on the threshold of our new life together, it turned out to be one of my most treasured photos, one which reminds me of deep-held memories that, despite our many challenges, we shared a good and rich family life in California filled to the brim with moments like these.

I’m also reminded that this same richness plays out in the joy and laughter shared with my adult children today.

‘The best thing about memories is making them’ – Anon

Posted in Childhood Memories, My California, Weekly Photo Challenge, Writing | Tagged California, Childhood memories, Children, Easter, Family Life, laughter, Market Crash, postaday, Weekly Photo Challenge, writing | 90 Comments

April Follower of the Month: Sherri Matthews

Posted on April 8, 2014 by Sherri Matthews

Genie, over at Espirational, recently and so very kindly invited me as a guest blogger. Very excited and honoured to do so. Thanks so much Bob and Genie!

Posted in Guest Blogs | Tagged Guest Blog | 14 Comments

Writing Process Blog Hop

Posted on April 4, 2014 by Sherri Matthews

What exactly is a Writing Process Blog Hop you may well ask? I’ve read about them on other blogs but assumed that since I’m not a published author it wouldn’t apply to me. This is exactly what went through my mind when Pat invited me to take part in one. That, and ‘I’m not worthy!’

Never assume anything, my dear friends, for we all know what ‘they’ say about that.

It doesn’t seem that long ago when I hardly dared tell anyone in answer to the question, ‘What do you do?’ that I am a writer. Even then I would mumble it and quickly turn the conversation around to something else. Not out of embarrassment but because I didn’t think I qualified to call myself a bona fide writer.

Once I had a couple of articles published in magazines I began to ask myself the question and slowly it dawned on me that yes, I am indeed a writer and that writing is now my career. Yet, as I journey on towards the holy grail of book publication only then shall I be able to say with pride that I am a ‘Published Author’. Then I will know that I’ve made it.

Meanwhile, I’ve realised that no matter where we are in our writing journey, we all have something to share with other writers about the ‘process’ from our own unique perspective and experiences, no matter how far (or not so far in my case) we are are along the path.

Here is how this Writing Process Blog Hop works:

I introduce the person who invited me to take part, then answer four set questions about my writing process and finally, I introduce three writers/authors/bloggers who have graciously agreed to take part in this blog hop with me and then keep it going.

With no further ado then, it is my delight and privilege to introduce you to my inspiring and talented writing/blogging friend Pat over at Plain Talk and Ordinary Wisdom where she shares her heartwarming and moving stories from her beautiful home in the Colorado Rockies:

Pat Ruppel

Pat Ruppel

Is it possible to make a difference in the world? Pat believes there is. One way is through writing to inspire and warm the heart.

That’s what she hopes to do on her site at “Plain Talk and Ordinary Wisdom” by extending trust in sharing personal kitchen-table stories.

People always seem more comfortable wherever food and drinks are served, whether inside where it’s warm and cozy or out on the patio.

We go to where we’re most relaxed to catch up on the latest with family and friends or open up to explore conversations with new people. That’s when magic happens.

Pat believes, if we could find common ground and talk, whether it’s around a kitchen table or in writing a story, anything is possible. If there are problems or life issues, she thinks most could be resolved, if we could find where we most identify with one another and trust to tell our story.

Kitchen-Table Stories to Enjoy

The desire to connect and learn how differently people react and their opinion of things interest Pat. It probably comes from when she facilitated talking-stick workshops for her employer back in the late ‘90’s /2000’s. She’s always wondered why people have different attitudes in their approach to what they do and how they feel about life. Where does it come from and what is their story?

It is her hope that you’ll pull up a chair, kick back and join her at her kitchen table at “Plain Talk and Ordinary Wisdom”, with a few examples of featured stories below. Maybe, they will warm your heart and take you to a similar place — familiar memory — or trigger a feeling within where you could tell your own story.

Ghost Stories From An Old House ― It was the home where my mother grew up in a small beach town in Virginia, situated on main street and only 2 blocks from downtown. You wouldn’t think the house would be “haunted” just to look at it.

Young Love to Old Love ― Well, it’s official. We are now the elder couple with white hair walking down the street holding hands. I remember when I was in my dating years or married and chasing to my next errand I’d see an older couple holding hands and think, “Awhh, isn’t that nice. I’d like to be doing that someday.”

A Talking Stick and a Poem ― A post I read today from a fellow blogger, John Cali, started me thinking. He was asking the question, “How Do You Know If You Are Making a Positive Difference in People’s Lives?” Have you ever thought of that or, maybe, you’ve thought, “What’s the point to what I’m doing?” I remembered, one time, when I was shown how a talking-stick and a poem can make a difference. Here’s my story.

You can connect with Pat at:

Blog: Plain Talk and Ordinary Wisdom
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/PlainTalkAndOrdinaryWisdom
Twitter: https://twitter.com/pcrupp1928
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/pat-ruppel/0/834/6b7
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+Plaintalkandordinarywisdom/posts

Thank you so much Pat for inviting me to take part in this Writing Process Blog Hop and I look forward to sharing many more of your wonderful stories with you around your ol’ kitchen table for a long time to come!

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Here now are my answers to the four set writing questions:

1. What am I working on?

There is a story that I’ve wanted to write for many years and this is what I’m working on now, my memoir, as yet untitled. I have at last written up a Memoir Book Blurb for those who would like to know more about it. This is my first book and the one I feel I must write before I venture into the realm of serious novel writing, if indeed I follow that path.

2. How does my work differ from others of this genre?

Since my book is a memoir it is no different from any others in this genre other than this is my personal story but most of my writing is non-fiction which is what I enjoy most and comes the most naturally to me. I write in the same style that I write here, on my blog, I don’t follow any formula and I write as it flows, from my heart where it has lived for so long. I’m not sure if that makes my work any different or not, especially as this is the first time I’ve written a book.

3. Why do I write what I do?

I write purely and simply because it is the one thing I have that is solely mine, my creation, my voice and it is my passion. It is through writing that I feel I can be heard and understood and accepted as someone who has a passion to share stories based on my life experiences. I feel that memoir-writing is my true calling. It sits with me and slots right in, like the proverbial missing piece of the puzzle.

It helps me to come to terms with the past while bringing those memories into the present and so giving hope and strength for the future. By doing so, I am ever hopeful that I can bring encouragement to others, as well as a little entertainment along the way. I believe that no experience is ever wasted and if I can write about it, then so much the better.

4. How does your writing process work?

Well, this is something I battle with even now. On an ideal day, I start on my memoir first thing, resisting with all my might the temptation to look at any emails and my blog until after I’ve bashed out what usually equates to between 2 – 3,000 words. This I am getting slightly better at (she says optimistically!).

I become completely immersed and lost in my memoir writing but when I come up for air, it is with a strong sense of ‘fait accompli’, as in job done for today. Phew! Then I know I can put it aside, otherwise I could write all day. Maybe I should, maybe it will come to that if I am ever to get this book written, or at least the first draft. For now, I do need to take a breather and I do this by turning to other writing projects (articles and poetry for submission) but mostly blogging (my life-saver) which changes my focus, brings me back to the land of the living and prepares me for the next day’s ~~purge~~ writing.

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Now please meet three writers/authors/bloggers, wonderfully talented, awesome ladies whom I respect and admire greatly and am proud to call friends:

Irene Waters : Reflections and Nightmares

Irene Waters

Irene believes that reflection is an essential part of life and in doing this she has written many short stories and poetry. She doesn’t baulk at the unusual which is shown in her varied background. It was her time on the island of Tanna in Vanuatu which motivated her to write her soon to be published first memoir Nightmare in Paradise where she brings alive her experiences and reflections.

She has had short stories published in the anthology “Eavesdropping” by the River Writers and also in Idiom 23 Vol 23 November 2013. She is currently undertaking a Research Masters at Central Queensland University examining sequel memoirs whilst currently writing her second memoir After the Nightmare.

Blogging for a short eight months Irene’s writing reflects her life, her thoughts and opinions and her humour as she takes us around the globe and into her world.

She lives on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland Australia with her husband and German Shepherd Dog Zac.

You can connect with Irene at:

Blog: irenewaters19.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/allisonwaters17
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=92675629

Tracy Lee Karner

I’m Tracy Lee Karner, a Food, Travel and Creative Writer

I write for print, web and social media in and about New England. Currently.

I’ve been writing professionally since the early 1990’s.

I also teach “Share Your Story” workshops, and small-group classes for those who want one-on-one help for meeting their writing/publishing goals.

My background:

I’m a passionate home cook who served a long apprenticeship under a classically-trained chef (to whom I have been married for 20 years);
I’m a life-long language and literature junkie;
I’m a former youth minister and Christian education director, and arts educator, specializing in creative, individualized methodology;
My University of Minnesota degree is in English Literature, with emphasis on Creative Writing and Individualized Education.
I’m a mother and grandmother, living with my husband in New England.

I’m promoting my recently published memoir/travel guide, while working on a novel about family relationships–truth, lies, and reconciliation.

You can connect with Tracy at:

Blog: Tracy Lee Karner
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TowardDaylight

Seyi Sandra David – seyisandradavid

Seyi Sandra David

Seyi David loves to write and she has done that for several years. She has worked as a reporter, teacher, and accountant. She had a brief stint as an actor while at the university before she finally decided to write novels full time.

She is a committed blogger and a columnist for ‘Black Heritage Today,’ a London based Magazine, and ‘Rev Up Media.’

Her first novel, ‘The Impossible President’ sold out of its first print run in 2004. She wrote a short story, ‘Tales of Five Lies,’ which gripped readers worldwide. ‘The Feet of Darkness,’ her second novel, is still on sale worldwide.

‘Cydonia: Rise of the fallen’ is her fourth work of fiction.

Seyi lives in London with her husband, Kay, and three children, Samuel, Elizabeth, and Emmanuel.

Links where readers can buy Seyi’s books:

Amazon.com
Amazon.co.uk
Waterstones
Book Depository
Barnes and Noble
Fishpond.co.uk (Australia)
Indigo
ABE Books
Hive.co.uk

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Thank you so much Irene, Tracy and Seyi for agreeing to take part in this Writing Process Blog Hop, especially knowing how much you all have on your plates at the moment. To be afforded this opportunity to introduce you to my readers is a great privilege. I wish you all every success in your writing endeavours. I also look forward to meeting your blog-hop writers and reading all about how your writing process works for you!